Little Caesars closes pizza stores in Japan

Aug. 10, 2004

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Little Caesars has shuttered 16 units in Japan and is auctioning off the accompanying equipment.

According to a former unit operator in Nagasaki, this is the second time Little Caesars has closed the units. The source said that over the past year, a new franchisee took ownership of 15 units and added one store.

Little Caesars spokesperson Laura Burgess said she was unaware of the closures, and did not comment further before press time.

In December of 1999, the company announced plans to open 400 restaurants in Japan and operate as Little Caesars Japan. However, since the closely held private company rarely provides operational details, it's not known how many units it actually opened there or whether any units remain open.

Under the leadership of former Chief Operating Officer Harsha Agadi, Little Caesars cut the ribbon on its first Japanese store in '99.